Falling for the Fake: Why The Fake Out is a Must-Read

The Fake Out follows the story of Rory and Hazel. Hazel can't stand Rory—she’s the physiotherapist for his team, and he’s relentlessly flirty. Things take a turn when her ex-boyfriend, who cheated on her, shows up. While Hazel believes he’s there to apologize, he assumes he can win her back. Frustrated by this, Hazel decides to start fake dating Rory.

The book is filled with adorable moments that are hard to describe. Their banter is hilarious, and there are so many clear moments where you can see them falling for each other. Pippa and Jamie (from Behind the Net, Book 1) make appearances, and their scenes feel natural and not at all forced.

This story handles interpersonal relationships beautifully, especially the struggles of maintaining and working through them. Hazel’s strained relationship with her mother is a key element. Her mother, a former ballerina who hasn’t danced in years, is very critical of her body and avoids new experiences out of fear of how she’s perceived. This directly clashes with Hazel’s dream of opening a body-positive yoga studio.

Rory’s relationships with his parents are also complex. He feels like choosing hockey and staying with his dad pushed his mom away. With time, he’s realized that his father’s true love is for hockey, not for him. As Rory’s agent, his father pushes him in directions that no longer make him happy, creating further tension between them.

Rory’s emotional conversations with his parents nearly brought me to tears, and I appreciated how Hazel’s relationship with her mom was handled. It felt very real and grounded in actual conversations people have.

The author subtly hints at the potential romance between Darcy and Hayden, and I can’t wait to read their story.

Tropes:

- Fake Dating

- Sports Romance

- Ex’s Rival

- Boy Falls First

- Golden Retriever Hero

- Forced Proximity

- No Third Act Breakup

- It’s Always Been You